South Sudan has temporarily banned social media access to combat unrest fueled by violence from neighboring Sudan. The country’s telecommunications authority mandated this restriction for 30 to 90 days, leading to concerns among journalists about reaching their audience. The situation remains fluid with potential for the ban to be lifted soon.
South Sudan’s telecommunications regulator, the National Communication Authority, has mandated that internet service providers block access to social media for a period ranging from 30 to 90 days. This decision, communicated in a letter reviewed by the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), aims to limit the dissemination of graphic content showing violence in Sudan, which has incited unrest within South Sudan. In response to escalating tensions, authorities also imposed a curfew in the capital, Juba.
On January 22, telecom companies Zain South Sudan and MTN South Sudan informed users via Facebook posts that platforms such as TikTok and Facebook would become inaccessible. As of January 23, journalists and human rights advocates in South Sudan reported difficulties accessing these platforms without the use of virtual private networks (VPNs). Mariak Bol, editor-in-chief of Hot in Juba, expressed concern over whether their audience receives crucial news during this period.
The director general of the National Communication Authority, Napoleon Adok Gai, indicated that there is a possibility of lifting the ban within 72 hours in a January 23 press briefing. Meanwhile, South Sudan’s information minister, Michael Makuei, declined to comment regarding the situation, and further attempts to reach the National Communication Authority for comments went unanswered.
The social media ban in South Sudan aligns with a pattern seen in various countries during periods of unrest, where authorities restrict access to control public perceptions and prevent the dissemination of provocative content. In South Sudan, recent violence linked to events in neighboring Sudan has resulted in heightened tensions, prompting government action to curb the spread of information that could exacerbate the situation. This context underscores the critical role of social media in news gathering and communication in volatile environments.
In summary, South Sudan has enacted a temporary ban on social media to prevent the spread of inflammatory content amidst civil unrest linked to violence in Sudan. The Committee to Protect Journalists advocates for the ban’s reversal, emphasizing the importance of reliable news access during crises. Journalists are currently resorting to VPNs to report, while government officials suggest a possible review of the ban could occur soon.
Original Source: news.az
